US weighs new Iran strikes as Vance reaches out: Is war or a deal closer?

What happened: The US is weighing renewed strikes on Iran while keeping a diplomatic channel open. Admiral Brad Cooper briefed Trump on attack options, and Vice President JD Vance offered to meet Mohsen Rezaei to negotiate an end to the eight-month war. Key numbers: Eight-month war. Joint US-Israel attack plans reported after the November 3 midterms. Why it matters: Analysts told Al Jazeera that Vance's outreach suggests US second thoughts on striking, but they doubt his influence over Trump. Others expect substantial US attacks relatively soon.

The US is weighing renewed strikes on Iran while keeping a diplomatic channel open. Admiral Brad Cooper briefed Trump on attack options, and Vice President JD Vance offered to meet Mohsen Rezaei to negotiate an end to the eight-month war.

Analysts told Al Jazeera that Vance's outreach suggests US second thoughts on striking, but they doubt his influence over Trump. Others expect substantial US attacks relatively soon.